Obol is a rock band in Seattle, Wa. Our mix of cinematic world music, prog metal, bittersweet melodies, dance pop and other influences makes for a very unusual sound. Obol started in 2004 when old friends Barry Craig and Derek Butcher decided to sit down and explore some song ideas that had been deemed "too melodic", "too weird" or just a bad fit for Barry's previous metal bands. Barry wanted a project where he could explore and play all types of music. Originally called "Silverspun", the guys wrote songs about God, personal insecurities, self-delusion, and other meaty subjects. There was an instant reaction to the scratch tracks and early mixes online, and Barry was asked to play several gigs in Seattle prior to finding a band. Barry continued to write with Derek for several years, until the birth of Derek's first child. Josh Zampino, a friend of Barry's from a previous project, had been helping with song names and lyrics prior to Derek's departure. Josh's particular style of play, built up from years of studying greats like Neal Peart, pulled the music in a new direction. A year-long search was on for the remaining players. After meeting with hundreds of experienced guitarists, cellists, and pianists, Barry asked his friend Ryan Dirks, who had never played in a band before, to try the keys. Shortly afterwards, Barry found guitar virtuoso Ashton Stewart, who had just moved to Seattle from Louisville, Kentucky. Ashton brings his own songwriting interests, recording knowledge and style into the project, creating a unique sound and making for a surplus of dynamic ideas and creative talent. Music therapy for a troubled world.